TASTE AND ODOR TESTING SERVICES
Does your drinking water have an earthy, musty flavor?
This taste is likely caused by organic compounds created when bacteria in the water feed on algae particles and decomposing algae. The most common metabolite that causes this taste or odor is MIB, or 2-methylisoborneol. Even trace amounts can be noticeable when consumed. MIB affects the smell and taste of washed produce, locally caught fish, and more. Sending your drinking water for MIB testing helps detect the problem at the molecular level, allowing you to treat the source.
Engineering Performance Solutions offers taste and odor testing for your water system. Unpleasant tastes and odors result from organic compounds called taste-and-odor compounds that are excreted into the environment. Geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) are the most prominent taste-and-odor compounds. We provide nationwide MIB testing, ultrapure water testing , USP 643 method testing, and geosmin testing.
Explore Our Dedicated T&O Testing & Analysis Services
It’s hard to overstate the importance of taste & odor (T&O) testing services. This process is crucial for water suppliers and treatment facilities alike, and ensures the quality and safety of their drinking water. By conducting a routine analysis, potential taste and odor issues can be identified early on, allowing for the appropriate treatment measures to be taken. Thanks to our intensive MIB and geosmin testing services, it’s never been easier to exceed the expectations and satisfaction of your consumers.
Be sure to browse the following section to get a better sense of our T&O testing process.
- Sampling & Analysis: Samples collected from your water source and sent to us will be thoroughly tested to determine the presence and concentration of MIB and geosmin. We follow strict quality control procedures to ensure accurate and reliable results.
- Detailed Reporting: Our staff members will analyze the test results and provide detailed reports, including the concentration of MIB and geosmin. We will also offer expert interpretations and recommendations based on our findings to help you address any taste and odor issues.
- Customized Solutions: Every water source is unique, and we recognize that different treatment approaches may be required. Our team will work closely with you to develop customized solutions tailored to your specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
Trusted MIB and Geosmin Analysis Testing Services for Clients Across the United States
Municipal water supplies across the country often have issues with naturally occurring organic compounds that alter the taste and smell of drinking water. Geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) are the two most widespread offenders, both produced through algae and bacterial activity in surface water. These compounds become perceptible to the human palate at concentrations as low as 1 to 10 nanograms per liter. Without precise lab water testing services, utilities and treatment operators find it difficult to pinpoint the source, track concentration levels, and implement an effective corrective strategy.
Why MIB and Geosmin Testing Is the First Line of Defense for Water Quality
Routine MIB & Geosmin analysis & testing services give water treatment facilities the compound-level data they need before taste and odor complaints reach consumers. Geosmin analysis and MIB analysis expose trace concentrations that standard water quality monitoring routinely misses. Water utilities, aquaculture operations, food processors, and industrial laboratories across the United States depend on these targeted tests to detect foul taste or odor in drinking water and stay aligned with compliance standards and consumer expectations.
Precision-Driven MIB Testing and Geosmin Testing, Delivered Nationwide
At Engineering Performance Solutions, every MIB testing and geosmin testing engagement is carried out under a strict quality control framework built to capture compound concentrations at parts-per-trillion levels. From the moment samples arrive at our laboratory to the delivery of your final report, each step follows validated analytical methods that prioritize accuracy and consistency. Our team does not just return numbers; we provide interpretation and guidance so your facility can move from data to decision with confidence.
What Our T&O Testing Process Covers
Our comprehensive approach addresses every phase of taste-and-odor assessment:
- Sampling and Analysis: Water samples from your source are tested to determine the presence and exact concentration of geosmin and MIB using established analytical protocols and strict chain-of-custody procedures
- Detailed Reporting: Every test produces a thorough report with compound concentration data, and we can also provide expert interpretation and actionable recommendations tailored to your water system if requested.
- Customized Treatment Guidance: Because water chemistry varies by source and season, our team works directly with your facility to build solutions matched to your specific conditions and treatment objectives.
The Two Primary T&O Compounds at a Glance
| Compound | Natural Source | Human Detection Threshold | Primary Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geosmin | Algae metabolite | ~1 nanogram per liter | Musty, earthy odor in drinking water and seafood |
| 2-Methylisoborneol (MIB) | Blue-green algae, actinomycete bacteria | ~10 to 15 parts per trillion | Earthy taste in water; muddy flavor in catfish and crawfish |
Industries and Organizations We Serve
Our T&O testing and analysis services support a broad range of clients:
- Municipal water utilities managing the quality of public drinking water
- Aquaculture operations monitoring flavor quality in fish and shellfish
- Water treatment laboratories conducting compliance and routine monitoring testing
- Pharmaceutical and industrial facilities with strict water purity requirements
- Food processors concerned with taste consistency and product quality
Start Your MIB and Geosmin Monitoring Program with a Lab That Delivers
Engineering Performance Solutions provides MIB analysis and geosmin testing to clients throughout the United States, combining laboratory precision with practical, field-informed guidance. Whether your facility is responding to a sudden consumer complaint or building a long-term monitoring program, our team brings the technical depth and responsive service your water system requires. Contact us today to schedule your T&O testing and put a data-driven solution in place.
GEOSMIN TESTING
Geosmin is a nontoxic algae metabolite that has a musty odor that has been known to contaminate water sources and can be absorbed by aquatic organisms. It can be tasted by humans in water and seafood products at levels as little as 1 nanogram per liter. Any municipal water treatment facility, laboratories, and aquaculture should consider having their water tested for the presence of geosmin.
2-METHYLISOBORNEOL (MIB) TESTING SERVICES
2-Methylisoborneol is an organic compound that can lead to an unpleasant odor in drinking water. This compound comes from blue-green algae and actinomycete bacteria which produces a musty smell. It is not considered to be harmful to human health, but it is easily detected by our noses. In fact, we can often detect it at levels of only 10-15 parts per trillion.
Despite not being harmful to human health, 2-Methylisoborneol is a problem in the seafood industry. This is because it has been known to cause “dirty” or “muddy” flavors in catfish and crawfish. This can lead to customer dissatisfaction, quality control issues, and product wastage. At Engineering Performance Solutions, we provide accurate and reliable 2-methylisoborneol testing to clients throughout the country.
To learn more about our MIB testing and analysis services or to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us today!
CONTACT OUR TEAM TODAY
Along with geosmin, MIB is the most likely culprit for a foul taste or odor in your drinking water. Our lab testing services allow you to get an accurate assessment of the situation so you can properly treat your drinking water and eliminate any unwanted smell or taste. Even after the initial test, regular follow-up appointments can ensure that the problem won’t return.
Our services benefit utilities, laboratories, pharmaceuticals, and even aquacultures. Reach out today to learn more about our routine T&O testing services!